J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge

As the 2nd most visited wildlife preserve in the US, the refuge sees 800,000 visitors a year. To learn more about the history of this refuge as well as the local ecosystem check out this C-SPAN video. Read more

Very nice setup! Helpful staff . Only $5 to drive through the refuge, can stop anywhere along the route to check out the wildlife . Can come back at any time during the day you paid to tour again free.

The Nature Trail was a great way to spend time really enjoying the birds , and the aquatic life on the island . The trail is set up so you could walk, bike or drive your way through.

We were on bikes and saw more staying on the road , as there was more people spotting wildlife . We really enjoyed ourselves but would go again very early morning or late afternoon to see more wildlife .

The 2nd most visited wildlife refuge in the U.S.! Bring a camera and bug spray. Come in the morning or late evening at low tide .

Come learn about the Manatees, birds and other wildlife . Take one of the excellent tours or drive/bike the 4mi Wildlife Drive ($5 per vehicle), closed Fridays. Support the Refuge!

Come at low tide for the best birding . Most of the clean up is done by volunteers, so if you see something pick it up if you can.The visitor's center is only at the start, so be prepared to loop back.

Wonderful place for a walk and to take in nature. Make sure to start in the visitors center to get an overview of the preserve.

Maximum birds at low tide either early morning or late afternoon . The slower you go the more you will usually see. Patience. Some days you're only going to see the beautiful trees . This ain't Disney.

If you're planning on taking the tram tour , and I would strongly recommend that you do, you need to make a reservation . Tours fill up fast even out of season.

Love this place! Staff is very informative and has lots of hands on learning available. Fun for all ages.

Go during low tide , early morning or late evening when birds and animals might be feeding.

Bathrooms really are good. Clean and educational ! Oh, and the actual visitor's center is good, too.

Really nice, we saw an alligator and a snake and many birds . We drove it, but I think biking it would be best.

Drive the 4 mile tour and be sure to stop at the Mangrove lookout. Keep your eyes peeled for flocks of birds and Alligators.

Here at low tide at 5PM. Best when low tide is at sunrise. Better lighting. Saw 3 gators in 2 days!

To see wildlife you need to be patient and QUIET . Stop and be still. The animals only show when it's quiet .

Go early evening or low tide . Animals and birds are more likely to be out then.

Low tide = lots of birds . And be sure to slow down and scan the trees and the water. Mangroves and mangrove crabs are a can't-miss.

Worth it to take the tram tour ... TONS of bird wildlife to check out that you might miss on your own!

Be courteous and if you see someone taking pictures or staring at something- don't drive really fast to find a spot to park , don't slam the doors and don't loudly run over. It scares the animals!

FYI, the outside "Indigo Trail " is closed for repaving until October 2013. The learning center inside is open and is museum like, if kinda average.

Wildlife Drive is a must-do. $5. And don't miss the education center - it's free.

Love the volunteer ranger guides here, especially Ken and Ginny.

If you're looking to kayak , you'll get the best value if you purchase the tour .

Take the guided tour with Don, he is great. This place is a real national treasure.

Get here during low tide , best time for birding

Download the Discover Nature App to see what wildlife was spotted and where.

Skip Indigo Trail during the day if you want to see wildlife . Drive instead and stop where you want.

Don't take the tram tour . Drive or bike through and stop at your own leisure. Much more enjoyable.

only visitor center is open until 10/2013, guided walks of Indigo trail though.

The tram is always worth it! Great information always gained

Take a drive at your own pace for $5.00.

Educational and beautiful.

Go during low tide , early morning or early evening.

Don't drive you just ho too fast to really see much. Take the tram tour

This week they're doing events to celebrate wildlife ! lots of free family events too!!

Staff was very friendly !

Wilderness Drive & Indigo Trail are CLOSED from May 20th - October 1st 2013.

Closed on Fridays (and the 24hrs leading up to an expected hurricane warning)

We saw 3 different types of egrets...low tide is best for bird viewing .

Go with an older person with a Golden Age pass and get in free!

Don't miss the free Education Center.

Indigo trail for gators

Don't miss the free education center.

Flamingo sighting here yesterday

Indigo trail

Lots of animal out early OR late.

Need more wildlife lol

Check out free family summer programs.